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The Pastor's Place. For Pastors and their families.Bad News vs. Good News
by Linda Mae Baldwin (Linda's bio)
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Headlines aren't looking good, the news drones on with one sorry story after another – natural man's depraved condition is in full bloom across the world. Rapes, kidnapping, molestation of our innocents, drought, disease, war, floods, and I could go on, but why? Because the one who knows ALL really does have it all under control, and because He does, you and I can live with no fear.
Some may attribute my NO FEAR attitude to naiveté or stupidity. But it is faith, faith in a God who is bigger than any threat allowing no fear to prevail. And, faith the same God, the creator of heaven and earth and everything in it, knows the final outcome. And, faith in knowledge that whatever may happen, I, and my loved one's will be ok. That is not to say I think it's amendable when bad things happen, just that if we're prepared, and we know the truth, we will be better able to understand and cope with the results of this sin filled world.
After the war started on 9-11-01, when the United States and her people were brutually attacked and murdered, people sought refuge in churches and from those they saw as 'spiritual'. As Christians in our community and leaders in our churches we have to be strong in our faith and commitment even when others are feeling for answers. Our message has to have no qualms, no pulled punches, no watering down of the Gospel, because now is the time the people need to see in you the strength they may find wanting in themselves.
How can you assure those in your congregation and your community during troubled times?
1. Be real. Transparent.
This is a practice my husband instilled early on in our ministry. Be real. Make it known that what they see in you is what they get. If you're afraid, angry, proud, sad, let others know, and when you show them what you hold to that pushes you past your feelings, they will be encouraged and honor will go to the Lord.
2. Use Peter's crisis as an example.
Peter was a strong believer but when it came to walking on water – a known impossible task- and the initial excitement of 'whoa, this is cool, I'm walking on water,' wore off and became – 'whoa, what am I doing? Walking on water?!' – Immediately his toes got wet as he began to sink. Why? From the very beginning he knew he couldn't do it. The only way was to keep his eyes on the Lord. But, Peter did have enough faith to step out of the boat.
Remind your people they once had enough faith to trust the Lord, and that initial faith will carry them through, no matter what, as long as they keep their hearts and eyes turned to Him.
3. Use Jesus' garden experience as an example.
If you listen to talk shows you often hear fear in people's voices. What if there's a nuclear bomb? What if babies get killed? What if there is another attack on American soil? Well, maybe Jesus wasn't afraid as we know the word afraid, but he did sweat blood. He did ask if it were the Father's will, the deed be not done. I believe this gives us permission to be afraid. It is what you do with fear that matters. You can't let it consume you or paralyze you. What did Jesus do? He acknowledged his fear, and left it at the Father's will.
Encourage your people to face, discuss and pray about their fears, leaving them in the center of the Father's will.
4. Be available. Listen. Pray.
You might just have to listen. Be strong in your answers. People will depend on you to bolster them.
5. Teach about hope, love, faith, strength.
What is our hope?
Timothy 4:10
We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
What is our love?
John 4:19
We love because He first loved us.
John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
What is our faith in?
Romans 3:22
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference
Where do we get our strength?
Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Psalm 18:1
I love you, O LORD , my strength
The world's news is bad, but the Good news is pure joy.
Copyright 2003, Linda Mae Baldwin. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
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About Linda Mae Baldwin: Linda Mae Baldwin has ministered in churches in various capacities since 1983, when her husband answered the call to the Pastorate. The author of various plays, inspirational readings, and short stories, she currently also writes reviews for the iUniverse.com CWWC site. Although no longer in vocational ministry, Linda Mae's heart is to minister to pastors, their wives and children. E-mail Linda Mae |
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